Rediscovering a place

We know that doing the same things over and over again is creating a routine. For work this often helps us. We save time and effort. For creative work, however, leaning on the guaranteed outcome of a routine can be quite dangerous. It may work for a while, but we know that our clients trust their moments to someone who - besides good photos - will guide them through some paths a little different from common sense, always looking for a beautiful, pleasant result that reflects the feelings involved in that occasion.

As we work in many cities, I often don't know anything about the place where I'm travelling to photograph. I end up studying and researching as much as possible about the city and its points of interest.

But when it comes to a big city in Italy, like Milan, Venice, Rome or Florence, we tend to think we already know almost everything. To do a 30 minute, 1 or 2 hour photo session it helps a lot, but we can't always have the same photos and the same poses in the portfolio. We need to create something different in those same places and whenever possible get to know new ones.

I've been researching more about Venice, a city that is so requested for photos. And I've realized that there's still a lot to see. And even though most of the clients will ask for photos in front of the Basilica of San Marco, besides the different angles that we can create there, it's always nice to include in the photo shoot a different place from the path through which everyone passes and come back with photos in the suitcase much more dynamic and creative.

In August we already have some photo shootings scheduled for Venice, and I can't wait to explore new perspectives in this enchanting city.

Venice for fun!

It's no secret that Venice has carried a magical atmosphere for centuries. The scenic is part of Venetian culture, with Carnival, the masks and the most famous Film Festival in Italy.

It was in this fun atmosphere that I met Sherry. She came from Phoenix, USA, where she lives, to get to know Italy and wanted to record this moment with a photo shoot in Venice.

She was travelling alone. It is always an honor to collaborate with someone to portray their image in a city far from their home country.

It rained a little that day, but we did a beautiful and fun photo shoot.

Yesterday the New York-Venice route was resumed with Delta Airlines. We hope it will be the return of those dear American travellers.

Solo Portraits - besides the selfies

When I started photographing people travelling in Italy I immediately imagined couples on their honeymoon. And when I was looking for inspiration on Instagram profiles and travel blogs about the cities I would work in, most of the photos were actually of couples.

But as requests for photo shoots came in, so did families, small and large groups and yes, people travelling alone!

At first it seemed a bit strange, but soon I got used to the idea and looked for more inspiration on how to photograph people alone.

I can say that the most interesting travel stories that clients have shared with me have been exactly in this type of session.

Emma was one of those nice clients who chose Florence to illustrate her solo trip through Italy.

Photo shooting Florence

Solo portraits Italy

Photo shooting Florence

Solo Portraits Italy

Surprise Proposal shootings are back!

Surprise photographer for proposal in Italy

We are getting requests for surprise proposal photos again. This kind of photo is always a challenge because it is, in fact, a surprise and we need to be close without giving the impression that we are photographers. To be present in front of these kind reactions is a great gift for our work.

I can't remember exactly when was the first time I photographed a surprise marriage proposal. But I remember that as soon as I received the request, I loved the idea and days before the photos I was already anxious. I was a Secret Photographer for Proposal.

It was an idea that came naturally, to suggest being close to the scene as a tourist (and not as a photographer). Thus, the couple would position themselves in the place that I had previously indicated and the groom would ask me to take a picture of them with his phone.

I would readily accept and ask them to take a photo looking at each other. That was the "key" for the groom to get down on one knee and propose.

Over the years there have been more challenging situations than others, but the result is always surprising, and fortunately until today all requests have been accepted! :0)

If you are thinking of making a surprise proposal in any city in Italy or Europe in general we are at your disposal to discuss the details and choose the best scenarios with you and keep the occasion a surprise until the moment of unveiling.